Last week, we asked readers “What are some of the key issues influencing your vote this midterm election? Gas? Groceries? Housing?”
We always see the headlines, polls, and studies, but we wanted to hear from people dealing with the real impact and better understand what’s at stake.
We’ve received some very thoughtful and detailed responses, which we will run in the newsletter to continue the conversation.
We invite you to keep sharing what’s impacting your vote. Your stories could help others in similar situations know they’re not alone.
Here’s one Nevadan’s thoughts:
“Basically, ‘all of the above.’
“Housing — If not rent control, then something to stop rent from increasing by double-digit inflation each year. Folks on fixed incomes, or incomes that don’t rise at the same percentage rate, are being shut out of safe, affordable housing.
“Groceries and Gas — Food and fuel prices have gone up too much and too fast. And our incomes can’t keep up the pace. When we have to import food and fuel, especially if people who live here don’t want to work the fields and factories, that causes prices to increase. In addition, We the People have to pay extra when items come from countries against which we have levied tariffs. Another grocery-related issue is the fact that healthy food (fresh produce, for example) is more expensive than junk food. If we want healthier people, we need to eat better. Again, this relates to food insecurities, as well. More people need to rely on help for obtaining healthy food, and there isn’t enough food to meet the demand.
“We spend way too much time chasing down non-green-card and non-citizens. Not all folks arriving in the US are criminals, and not all criminals are immigrants. I am worried for those folks I know who have green cards (and pay a fortune to renew them). Are they going to be next to be forcibly stopped and removed from our country?
“Healthcare — Should be accessible and affordable. Private insurance companies should not be dictating who receives care or what level of care someone receives. Removing affordable health insurance options creates more folks who do not receive appropriate medical treatment, and this could result in more people unable to keep a job, and thus unable to pay their rent or mortgage…. in an endless cycle. Healthcare and health insurance is another complex issue-within-an-issue.
“Yes, any public programs need to have a funding source. I’d rather not see any of my taxes increase—at least not a lot! If taxes go up too high, I won’t be able to pay for housing, food, gas, car insurance, etc.
“Our roads are way too busy. We don’t have adequate public transportation. These two issues I won’t expand on, but just mention. Further discussion is needed on these.”
— Judy D., Las Vegas
